Afghan blast soldier to be named

A British soldier killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan is to be be named.

The serviceman, from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, died while on a patrol in the Gereshk district of Helmand Province.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "The death of this courageous soldier from 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment is a heartfelt blow to all of us serving in Task Force Helmand.

"Our sorrow is nothing compared to the heartache felt by his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

The soldier's next of kin has been informed.

The death took the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 to 217.